Hearing News Watch

Featured image for “New User-Friendly Tinnitus Programs Have Potential to Meet Demand”
Sep. 26, 2016

New User-Friendly Tinnitus Programs Have Potential to Meet Demand

Brian Taylor
Tinnitus is a condition affecting upwards of 15% of the population and many bothered by the condition may be under served. That according a recent JAMA Otolaryngology article, which concluded there is a significant opportunity for hearing care professionals to get more actively involved in the long-term care and management of patients experiencing bothersome tinnitus. Other organizations appear to be
Featured image for “Growing Number of Hearables to Include “Hearing Aid Technology””
Sep. 24, 2016

Growing Number of Hearables to Include “Hearing Aid Technology”

Brian Taylor
On the heels of the AirPods launch two weeks ago, Bragi, the manufacturer of the Dash recently announced there will be updates to their hearable device. Among the updates to the Bragi Dash are improved quality of Bluetooth connectivity and increased range, improved waterproofing, an upgraded touch lock feature, and the ability to shuffle through songs on its interface. In
Featured image for “Former Starkey Executives Charged in $20 Million Embezzlement Scheme”
Sep. 21, 2016

Former Starkey Executives Charged in $20 Million Embezzlement Scheme

Brian Taylor
Last September, Starkey made headlines when it abruptly fired President Jerry Ruzicka and several other executives amid accusations of illegal business activities. One year later, as reported in the Minneapolis Star-Tribune and numerous other Twin Cities media outlets, Ruzicka, along with former CFO, Scott Nelson and former human resources director, Larry Miller were charged with embezzling $20 million from Starkey
Featured image for “Costco Quietly Launches Latest Kirkland Brand Premium Hearing Aids–at Even Lower Price Point”
Sep. 20, 2016

Costco Quietly Launches Latest Kirkland Brand Premium Hearing Aids–at Even Lower Price Point

HHTM
ISSAQUAH, WASHINGTON — This past week, Costco quietly rolled out the latest iteration of its “Kirkland Signature” branded hearing aids in stores across the United States. As reported by HHTM in August, to the surprise of many analysts and industry insiders, GN ReSound did not have its contract renewed to become the retail giant’s Kirkland Signature brand supplier–which it had been since 2013.
Featured image for “A New Potential Way to Treat Otitis Media”
Sep. 18, 2016

A New Potential Way to Treat Otitis Media

Brian Taylor
For audiologists practicing in a medical center, evaluating the hearing of children diagnosed with otitis media is a daily task. Not surprisingly, otitis media is the most common reason U.S. children receive antibiotics — and suffer from temporary conductive hearing loss. Antibiotics, taken orally, are an essential part of the treatment plan for many of these children. The requisite 7-
Featured image for “Fit To Serve Bill Moves to Senate with Revised Language”
Sep. 16, 2016

Fit To Serve Bill Moves to Senate with Revised Language

Brian Taylor
WASHINGTON, DC — Earlier this week the U.S House of Representatives passed the Veterans Mobility Safety Act of 2015 (HR 3471), a bill designed to improve access to hearing care services for veterans. The revised bill now goes to the Senate for deliberation. In the original version of the bill hearing instrument specialists would have been granted expanded scope of
Featured image for “Does the AirPod Signal a New Era in Audio Computing?”
Sep. 13, 2016

Does the AirPod Signal a New Era in Audio Computing?

HHTM
Does the arrival of Apple’s new wireless AirPods, which carries a retail price tag of $159, signal a new era of how we connect with our smartphones and laptops?  Given the cultural significance of an Apple product launch, it is a good bet that the AirPod wireless headphone is the catalyst needed for the hearable market to really take off
Featured image for “IHS Unveils New “Tinnitus Care Provider Certificate Program””
Sep. 09, 2016

IHS Unveils New “Tinnitus Care Provider Certificate Program”

HHTM
ORLANDO, FLORIDA — The International Hearing Society (IHS) announced this week for the first time, its new Tinnitus Care Provider Certificate Program. Tinnitus, which is described as the perception of sound in the absence of an external stimulus, is a condition believed to be experienced by tens of millions of people. Research into the condition suggests that the disability caused
Featured image for “Look, Ma, No Cords! Apple launches iPhone 7 and Wireless AirPods”
Sep. 07, 2016

Look, Ma, No Cords! Apple launches iPhone 7 and Wireless AirPods

Brian Taylor
CUPERTINO, CALIFORNIA — Maybe it’s not the show stopping event it was in the ‘00’s when Steve Jobs was at the helm, but when Apple launches a new product people tend to pay attention. Apple’s latest launch of several new product upgrades, including the new iPhone 7, was announced at 10 am PDT on September 7. In addition to a
Featured image for “GN-Owned Jabra Aims to Take on Bragi, Samsung; Launches New Hearable”
Sep. 05, 2016

GN-Owned Jabra Aims to Take on Bragi, Samsung; Launches New Hearable

HHTM
BALLERUP, DENMARK — Headset maker Jabra, a subsidiary company of the GN Group, announced the upcoming release of what it dubs as the “most technologically advanced wireless earbuds” available: the Elite Sport. The new Elite Sport wireless earbuds will come fully equipped with a heart rate monitor, music/stereo streaming, in-ear audio coaching with real time feedback, and stream for up to three hours